Roar as boy from Gore makes ABs debut

The chants began as soon as the burly Southlander started warming up on the sideline.

"Grooter, Grooter, Grooter", they yelled — or at least that is what it sounded like the Ethan de Groot supporters were bellowing at the Zoo end of Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday night.

Highlanders prop de Groot duly ran on to the ground in the 50th minute of the All Blacks’ test against Fiji to make his international debut.

He worked hard during his first half-hour in a black jersey, and at the end of the game there was a lovely moment when the boy from Gore went to his fans and was enveloped in a mass hug.

Later, de Groot was presented with his first test cap by Highlanders team-mate, and All Black captain for the night, Aaron Smith in a special ceremony.

It was not one of the great All Black performances, the game, won 57-23, only really coming to life when the spirited Fijians delighted their cheering fans with some attacking play, and when hooker Dane Coles scored four tries in 25 minutes.

But for de Groot, it is a memory that will last a lifetime.

The test attracted a respectable crowd of 15,103 — but you will probably be able to double that when the All Blacks play the Springboks in the 100th test on September 25. Tickets for that epic encounter go on public sale tomorrow.

hayden.meikle@odt.co.nz